Are there yearly improvements on both the tandem and the drive systems themselves that I should know about? I'm asking just in case I buy a kayak from someone that doesn't sell many and I recieve something that is not up to the current standards.

Hobie yaks have a "Born on Date" sticker near the serial number. I imagine most honest dealers leave them on there - we do. So check the sticker.

Hobie has made some minor changes at times within a model year. An example is the new twist lock hatches that started showing up on boats part way into the '06 model year. That's the most significant change I can remember (though I confess to being the cat/windsurfer specialist at the shop).

You're pretty much not going to see significant changes in a model year - by "significant" I mean changes that would have involved a change in the mold. Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. But a mold change is a major disruption to production.

I can't comment on possible changes to the mirage drive units cause I've not paid close attention to those.

And just because some stores sell a "lot of boats" doesn't mean you get a current one. I recently saw a "new" boat from a to-remain-nameless big box store. It was last years model. The customer was pissed when they found out.

I'd like to think that it was more a matter of ignorance on the part of the sales associate at the big box than a case of outright deception.... But who knows.

I think you're going to find that the majority of Hobie dealers have a passion for the sport and products, and a desire to do right by the customer. And that they're going to be honest and upfront about the product they're showing you. Because this is definitely a business you don't get rich in.

Bottom line: If you've got questions or concerns, ask. We're Hobie Dealers and we're good, but we don't read minds. I dread customers with no questions.

Hobie yaks have a "Born on Date" sticker near the serial number. I imagine most honest dealers leave them on there - we do. So check the sticker.

Hobie has made some minor changes at times within a model year. (though I confess to being the cat/windsurfer specialist at the shop).

I can't comment on possible changes to the mirage drive units cause I've not paid close attention to those.

I'd like to think that it was more a matter of ignorance on the part of the sales associate...

The shop is closed and it's beer:30. Cheers,Brian C

Brian,

The forum isn't a platform for you to promote your business. If you don't have something solid to contribute, please take a hint from the hundreds of legitimate Hobie dealers that have the integrity to avoid using this forum for their own advertising! With the kind of crap you're spewing, it sounds like you know a heck of a lot more about BS than Hobies.

Perhaps you should spend less time thinking about your next Happy Hour and more time getting to know your product line

Last edited by Roadrunner on Sat Aug 19, 2006 11:37 pm, edited 2 times in total.

What "The Dog" should have told you if he knew what he was talking about has nothing to do with stickers. Every Hobie has a serial # inscribed in the hull that includes the manufactured date. The last 4 digits tell the month in letters (A through L), year made and year model. For example, #....L506 means the boat was built in December (L) of 2005 and is a 2006 model. The serial numbers are inscribed on the aft section of all Hobie hulls off to one side.

The Tandems went through a major hull change sometime around '02 or '03 when the capacity was increased by 100#. It also picked up a sail mast receiver several years ago (hole behind the front seat) for the addition of a sail. No other major changes that I am aware of. There have some minor changes in non-hull areas (removable seats; two 8" hatches added this year) but these are of little consequence if you can find a Tandem in good condition.

The Outfitter is pretty new and I doubt that you'd find a used one.

The drives have evolved in small ways in order to lose weight (about 1# or so), but their design has not changed much. My 6 year old drives work as well as my new one. Some people even prefer the old style drives (recognized by their aluminum frame, stainless sprockets). They're all rebuildable, I think.. Condition is by far your biggest inspection point (nothing loose, squeaky, visibly worn, etc. Any drive should work in any hull, old or new.

Wow... Who whizzed in your Wheaties, Roadrunner? Feel free to ignore my postings in the future. But your accusations are without merit. Mostly because it's not "my business" and I don't work on commission. I get paid as long as I show up for work. And I enjoy my job.

Matt can correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that a serial number is not applied at the time of manufacture. It is applied prior to ship out. So a boat built in late '05 could have an '06 serial number.